call
for
artists
We invite interactive or immersive artwork submissions that explore and encourage playfulness. Playful media includes all objects, spaces, and technologies that create, invite, or facilitate a playful or immersive experience for its participants.
Submissions may include, but are not limited to electronic new media and emerging artworks such as installations, online works, animation, video, audio, performances, and screenings. We would like to encourage both established and early career artists to submit their work. The Homecoming centre has theatre facilities, so staged performance artworks may also be considered.
Please fill out the google form which requires the following information:
- Artist Bio & Press pics
- Artwork proposals that include images, sketches, drafts; technical and logistical requirements, a budget
- Links to video documentation online (if applicable)
The Brief
When considering your idea for your artwork please keep in mind that Playtopia is not a traditional gallery. We look for immersive and or interactive artworks that are fun, preferably make use of technology and are more about the delightfulness of the experience than about deeper meaning or making a statement. We won’t show anything that is political in nature or addresses any serious social issues. We are trying to create a purely joyful experience for our Playtopians where they can forget the troubles of the world and just be fully connected to the experience of play.
Our theme this year is “Retro Fantasy”. Think: Neverending Story, Fantasia, Willow, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth. Fantastical creatures imbued with magic…adventure, dark forests, epic journeys, treasure, friendship, light vs dark, magical powers. We do not expect your work to address the theme, but you are welcome to use it as inspiration. Here are some examples for works we admire to give you a nudge in the right direction.
Immersive:
Interactive:
Application documents should be submitted by the 1st of July 2025.
Please note that artwork proposals do not need to be anonymized.
Artwork proposals will be juried by the curators of the festival and included based on these reviews, alongside the overall feasibility of the proposed work, and how they fit within Playtopia’s exhibition program. Rejected proposals may be considered to be accepted as artist talks.
Call conditions
- Artists, researchers and developers of any nationality can apply to participate in Playtopia 2024.
- Artists have to be available to install their artworks between the 1th-4th December and be available to break down their exhibitions after the festival (7th December).
Playtopia will offer the following
- Production budget: funding can be provided towards the creation and execution of the artwork
- Volunteer manpower: to assist with installation and dismantling the piece, and to oversee the exhibition during the run of the festival as per requirements of the artist.